What Wax Jetting Technology Is and Why It Matters
Wax jetting technology is a type of material jetting 3D printing process that deposits tiny droplets of wax layer by layer to create detailed, burnable patterns for lost-wax casting, allowing manufacturers to keep their existing casting workflows while gaining digital design flexibility and high-resolution production. This wax 3D printer approach stands apart from resin-based jewelry 3D printing because the output is a true wax model, not a polymer that happens to burn out. Historically, Solidscape pioneered this category, giving jewelry artisans and casting shops a reliable way to move from hand-carved patterns to digital models. After Solidscape’s wax jetting line was acquired by Stratasys, sold to Prodways, and eventually shut down in 2024, many users were left with few direct replacements. Flashforge’s entry into wax jetting closes that gap and signals that this niche still has industrial value.
From Solidscape’s Exit to Flashforge’s WJ51C Comeback
The story behind Flashforge’s wax 3D printer is tied to the rise and fall of Solidscape. Solidscape’s machines defined wax jetting technology for years, especially in jewelry and small precision casting 3D applications. The company moved between owners—first Stratasys, then Prodways—before its shutdown in 2024 removed a familiar option from the market. During the same period, vat polymerization systems with castable resins spread quickly, displacing many mid-range DLP and SLA units and offering lower entry prices for jewelry 3D printing. Flashforge now steps into the space with the WJ51C, a material jetting system built for continuous operation and up to 4 kilograms of wax use per month. According to 3DPrint.com, the WJ51C prints with layers as thin as 15 microns and targets dimensional accuracy of ±0.04 mm, putting it squarely in high-detail territory.
Inside the Flashforge Wax Printer: Features and Workflow
Flashforge’s WJ51C wax 3D printer is a desk-side material jetting unit measuring 865×510×654 mm, with a 235×138×100 mm build volume and a 115 kg weight that demands solid furniture. Its print head reaches 2900 × 2900 × 1700 DPI and uses 2080 jets, aiming for smooth surfaces that reduce post-processing for jewelers. The printer works with Flashforge’s own wax and wax support materials supplied as blocks instead of tank-based liquids, which suits smaller, on-demand runs. The wax is priced at around USD 0.46 (approx. RM2.10) per gram and the support at USD 0.18 (approx. RM0.85) per gram, with support removed using a solvent. A camera monitors the build chamber for easier oversight during long jobs. This combination of high resolution, ash-free burnout, and a controlled workflow positions the WJ51C as a specialized tool rather than a general-purpose desktop printer.
Impact on Jewelry 3D Printing and Precision Casting
For jewelry 3D printing, wax jetting has a clear value: ash-free burnout and extremely smooth surfaces that map directly into the final metal piece. A wax 3D printer like the WJ51C lets jewelers retain familiar lost-wax casting steps while swapping hand carving for CAD and digital workflows. In precision casting 3D applications, small mechanical parts can be produced in durable metals using relatively modest casting setups, making custom or low-volume production more practical. Flashforge’s focus on continuous operation and monthly wax consumption hints at larger jewelry shops and design studios rather than casual hobbyists. Meanwhile, entry-level vat polymerization systems, mid-range DLP and SLA machines, filament printers with burnable polymers, and high-end material jetting units compete across a wide price spectrum. The return of dedicated wax jetting gives professionals an option tuned specifically for casting, not a general resin compromise.
How a Revival in Wax Printing Could Reshape the Market
The revival of wax jetting through the Flashforge wax printer could nudge jewelry and casting businesses toward more customized, experience-driven offerings. Because the WJ51C is built for continuous operation and relatively high wax volume, it fits scenarios where shops run many custom jobs—engagement rings, bespoke cufflinks, commemorative pieces for events or groups. As competition spans from USD 180 (approx. RM835) vat polymerization machines to USD 300,000 (approx. RM1,390,000) industrial systems, specialized wax jetting fills a mid-range slot focused on casting performance rather than broad material versatility. Jewelers experimenting with new customer experiences—such as interactive design sessions or group design events—gain a machine that can quickly turn unique digital ideas into castable wax patterns. If enough studios adopt this technology, it may restore wax jetting as a standard path for high-detail, production-grade jewelry and small precision parts.
